Location:

Member since:

Who are some of your favorite writers? Or the last book you have read?

joan didion, bio of Robert evans - the kid stays etc

What would you like to improve with your writing?

telling the inner stories (mental forces) in characters -

What genres do you tend to write? For example, paranormal romance, hard science fiction, etc.

gay issues - real lesbians in real life - out in the open or realistically not - I was not out out until I was 61 - it's still not easy - also human relations in general - age vs youth, ill vs well,

What is the best or worst piece of writing advice you've ever been given?

write about what you know

When participating in small group discussions, do you more often listen or wait to speak?

not sure I understand the question - do you mean do I jump in and cut people off, or am I polite when I interrupt - or do I hang back... I like to think I am a polite and assertive participant, but certainly interested in what other people think about the same thing we've just read or heard - I believe that's the point of "discussion?"

Introduction

Hi - have been writing since high school - did mostly plays in the 70'-80's, now doing movies alone and with pam and frank lione, have one script circulating (Perfect Baby - but I think it's probably dead at this point. Now writing short stories.

We're about:

Hello! If you have found this group, you are obviously interested in composing some sort of speculative fiction. Our purpose is to help you improve your writing, provide support, and help you become a published author (if that is your goal).

We meet once a month, typically on a Wednesday or Thursday evening. Our meetings consist primarily of critiques, with occasional short presentations and speakers. Pieces to be critiqued are on a first-come first-serve volunteer basis. Pieces are limited to approximately 5000 words per meeting.

Anyone who is interested in ANY KIND of speculative fiction writing should join: science fiction, fantasy, alternate history, paranormal, horror, supernatural, superhero, utopian, dystopian, post apocalyptic, apocalyptic, and more! We have members who write flash fiction, short stories, screen plays, novellas, and novels.

Please let me know if you have any questions about the group!

HOW IT WORKS

1) A person will volunteer their piece of approximately 5000 words or less to be critiqued for a specific meeting date.

2) I post a .doc and .pdf version of the piece in our Files section (see top nav bar) with the date clearly labeled.

3) All members print out the piece and write all over it - with grammar, spelling, thematic, plot, character, narration, voice, etc comments. Both positive and negative.

4) Everyone will bring their marked-up copy to the meeting. Verbal critiques take place at the meeting and focus on craft rather than grammar. All critiques should be constructive and specific. No "I don't like it" or "you suck" allowed. Something more along the lines of "I really like your fresh voice, especially in this paragraph" or "Mary Jane's character could use a little more developing, I feel like I don't know her."

4a) We go around the table in a round robin circle giving feedback to the author. The author makes notes about the comments and then is free to reply at the end after all the critiques have been given. This allows the work to speak for itself and comments are made only about the work itself and not the author's defense of the work.

5) At the end of that critique (and not before), everyone gives their marked up copy to the author. This will help the person remember your thoughts, provides an opportunity for you to voice an opinion you might not make with 10 people listening, and is especially helpful for grammar issues.